[Game] 38/82: Kings @ Warriors 09 JAN 2026, 7pm PT/10pm ET

[SacTownKid]

Both of those guys will be under contract next year when Russ 100% won't be here and there's a fair chance Dennis won't either.

We'll also be rid of at least a few of the people blocking Keon.

And we'll still be contending for a top 5 pick.

This is just impatience in the clearing house of all our junk phase. It isn't easy to do with this CBA. There's no quick fix. But I really do think if we benched all our top earners we'd get into deep doo doo with Silver who seemingly hates Sacramento and would be happy to see us just be a G-league team in the NBA that feeds talent to teams he likes anyways.

Are you sure? When can they extend Russ? lol. The truth is they might not be able to clear the junk. The junk right now is on the floor. You can only control what you can control and most certainly this franchise can control clearing a pathway to development. They aren't doing that.

 

[hrdboild]

League’s sorta in a different place than it was then though (mostly because the Thunder are hoarding like half the available picks over the next half decade so no one really has much of anything available to trade). The aprons have really made player movement much more difficult than it was during the OLD old CBA. Obviously that makes it more confusing that the Kings appeared to have signed a couple of guys for the apparent reason of just trading them later but that’s a discussion for another day lol

That is what the discussion is about. It was always going to be difficult to move LaVine and DeRozan. Westbrook and Schröder can't be blamed on the previous GM though. Nor those 4 players leading the team in minutes played by a country mile. Nor Eubanks and Achiuwa getting the majority of the frontcourt minutes for the first 2 months of the season. Nor two of our only plus defenders in Keon Ellis and Devin Carter mysteriously getting pushed to the lowest rung of the totem pole while both the coach and the GM talk about defense and hustle as the bedrock for this new culture they're planning to implement.

You said that Kings fans are up in arms about having a losing team because they can't handle a full-on tank. I don't think that's true. Reynaud getting more minutes and touches of late is the one positive from this season that we all seem to agree on. Cardwell actually giving us a decent paint presence and having fun hyping up the crowd at home games has also been a rare bright spot of late in a mostly miserable season. I don't think we all love being miserable, I think the circumstances themselves are miserable and we're looking for the silver lining where we can by praising Reynaud and Cardwell and talking about this year's prospect crop and our chances of adding an elite prospect at the end of the year. There just isn't a lot else to celebrate right now. We'll see if something good comes out of the trade deadline. Hopefully Keegan gets fully healthy and finds his shot again too.

Trying really hard not to get specific, it's hard to stay positive in general in the face of everything else happening in the world. Some of it global, some of it local, some of it personal and family related. Normally I'm a pretty optimistic person and I try to see the best in others whenever possible but these last few months (and last 4 years really) have been DARK times and it only appears to be getting worse. I'm not going to pretend like that hasn't spilled over into the type of language I use to express myself. I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Trying really hard not to get specific, it's hard to stay positive in general in the face of everything else happening in the world. Some of it global, some of it local, some of it personal and family related. Normally I'm a pretty optimistic person and I try to see the best in others whenever possible but these last few months (and last 4 years really) have been DARK times and it only appears to be getting worse. I'm not going to pretend like that hasn't spilled over into the type of language I use to express myself. I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way.

I'm not a no politics in sports guy but I am a person who uses sports and other entertainment to break away from the pains of real life too. My advice when a team is making you miserable is to invest in something else. I'm fortunate that I enjoy just about every league sport so that if the Kings stink I can just quit watching and watch my Wildcat basketball, Terrier hockey, the NHL and NFL during the overlap.

This process isn't just about internet fans and smarts who understand what an ideal rebuild is like. It's about the corporate tickets and people who haven't quit going to games on personal season ticket memberships and giving them something even if it is watching Russ chase personal and league accolades despite having no history with this club prior to 2025.

Why torture ourselves when we can watch the team tank from the box score and find a way to spend 2.5 hours a few nights a week that makes us happy.

I was watching the show of a Ducks performance and then a satisfying Lakers defeat while arguing with all you dorks

 

[Krunker]

https://stats.gleague.nba.com/player/1642269/ says Devin Carter averaged 23.5pts 7reb 4.5ast in the g League

Could well be a bust but I think too early to say without more minutes

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

 

[kingsboi]

I'm not a no politics in sports guy but I am a person who uses sports and other entertainment to break away from the pains of real life too. My advice when a team is making you miserable is to invest in something else. I'm fortunate that I enjoy just about every league sport so that if the Kings stink I can just quit watching and watch my Wildcat basketball, Terrier hockey, the NHL and NFL during the overlap.

This process isn't just about internet fans and smarts who understand what an ideal rebuild is like. It's about the corporate tickets and people who haven't quit going to games on personal season ticket memberships and giving them something even if it is watching Russ chase personal and league accolades despite having no history with this club prior to 2025.

Why torture ourselves when we can watch the team tank from the box score and find a way to spend 2.5 hours a few nights a week that makes us happy.

I was watching the show of a Ducks performance and then a satisfying Lakers defeat while arguing with all you dorks

another remedy is to just step away from any screens for a hour or two or three and spend some time at a park or in green spaces. pick up a basketball and shoot around. get a bucket of baseballs and a bat and swing away. get a tennis racket and practice serves against a wall or if you have a friend that can join. I see that pickleball is the craze right now too

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

I was watching the show of a Ducks performance and then a satisfying Lakers defeat while arguing with all you dorks

 

[SLAB]

Everyone should find their local independent wrestling training facility and just start wrestling.

Now there’s an escape!

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

Everyone should find their local independent wrestling training facility and just start wrestling.

Now there’s an escape!

Everyone should find THE SLABster's local independent wrestling training facility and just start watching him train to receive endless Tsunamis from Bronson Reed.

Now there's a much better escape!

 

[Rob-The-Great]

Can Clifford run point? Carter per 48 in limited minutes is almost doubling him up in assists. Last year he was higher as well.

Carter is a better prospect than Clifford in every single way. I honestly do not understand this love fest. Carter was fastest player in the draft, plays hard nose defense and can jump out the building.

Carter isnt playing because hes not playing. Nothing more Nothing less, just like Kaminga. He doesn't automatically suck now because Kerr wont play him.

These people in charge remind me of politicians. They think they are smarter than they are.

Carter worked his whole life to be in this position. Now he not good enough to get on the court on a 8 amd 30 team! We have eyes man. Westbrook isnt the better prospect right now

 

[hrdboild]

I'm not a no politics in sports guy but I am a person who uses sports and other entertainment to break away from the pains of real life too. My advice when a team is making you miserable is to invest in something else. I'm fortunate that I enjoy just about every league sport so that if the Kings stink I can just quit watching and watch my Wildcat basketball, Terrier hockey, the NHL and NFL during the overlap.

This process isn't just about internet fans and smarts who understand what an ideal rebuild is like. It's about the corporate tickets and people who haven't quit going to games on personal season ticket memberships and giving them something even if it is watching Russ chase personal and league accolades despite having no history with this club prior to 2025.

Why torture ourselves when we can watch the team tank from the box score and find a way to spend 2.5 hours a few nights a week that makes us happy.

I was watching the show of a Ducks performance and then a satisfying Lakers defeat while arguing with all you dorks

The Kings aren't making me miserable, they've been bad for awhile. I actually feel somewhat vindicated that they are this awful -- for the karmic justice of it. I would even say I'm slightly gleeful. Lasagna anyone?

But I can't ever bring myself to disconnect emotionally from the world, not even with entertainment. I'm thin-skinned that way. Which means even if the Kings were in first place this season I would still be a miserable SOB right now. Does it seem like I'm always trying to make things about me? Maybe that's what this is. I've given up trying to psycho analyze myself. My intention though was to suggest some additional grace is warranted for all the frustrated and angry humans among us (some of which also happen to be Kings fans) given how many people are under a lot of stress right now.

 

[jiimbob]

The Kings aren't making me miserable, they've been bad for awhile. I actually feel somewhat vindicated that they are this awful -- for the karmic justice of it. I would even say I'm slightly gleeful. Lasagna anyone?

But I can't ever bring myself to disconnect emotionally from the world, not even with entertainment. I'm thin-skinned that way. Which means even if the Kings were in first place this season I would still be a miserable SOB right now. Does it seem like I'm always trying to make things about me? Maybe that's what this is. I've given up trying to psycho analyze myself. My intention though was to suggest some additional grace is warranted for all the frustrated and angry humans among us (some of which also happen to be Kings fans) given how many people are under a lot of stress right now.

I hear ya. There’s a lot of people doing it rough right now. I’m likely set for the rest of my life but a couple of my kids aren’t and it’s just getting increasingly difficult to get a foothold. Take it easy.
This season is beyond bad so i’m not getting worked up at all about that. If anything it’s nice to know it should only get better.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I’m guessing we have more than 1 non-guaranteed deal at 2M. At worst we trade Keon to New York for a pick.

I believe at this point all of our contracts are guaranteed.

We could, in principle, trade Keon for a pick, but I for one do NOT want to have to be a moderator on this board the day that happens.

 

[BuddyBuckets]

Honestly, ive never watched less than this season and no season is even close. I watched 82 games of john salmons and thornton and convinced myself we had a future.

I wont tune in to watch this team play 37 year olds while giving up 40-10 runs to end games.

I actually see myself watching much more post deadline if russ/demar are gone. I want youth to play. And not just mins, I want to see these guys play meaningful roles not sit in the corner.

 

[BuddyBuckets]

Playing but not featured, our vets are taking and bricking most of the shots. Which is fine if we're trying to showcase/tank, but it's still a bummer to not see the rookies get some more looks.

I'd certainly be more enthused about tuning in if we trade Deebo, Westbrook, and Zach. Not sure anybody wants them though haha

Hopefully the ends justify the means come lotto day!

Said the same before reading your post.
This x100. It doesnt matter if nique is playing when I have to watch possessions of lavine, demar, and russ playing trio ball as if the others dont exist. Not an enjoyable experience.

 

[dude12]

This belief that Kings can’t handle a full on tank is probably not accurate. Right now we aren’t doing a full on tank. This team is being led by players on their last few years and not by players who may be rotational guys for the foreseeable future.
I believe most Kings fans think this is nuts and it’s frustrating. I think they would rather see Nique, Carter, Keon lead the team and reduce vet minutes. I believe most Kings fans don’t expect Carter to be anything other than a Davion Mitchell type, not a star, but a rotational piece who can play defense.

The only thing being accomplished to this point is stat padding for Russ and DDR, Lavine not capable of being part of a winning team, Doug is not a good coach.
To be determined is if Perry can deliver and it better be at the trade deadline because then we will all know if he’s shoveling crap or failing.

If another org was running the Kings, we would see the youngsters with lead roles when they are in the game, vets minutes reduced, Plowden and I Stevens getting some run….i think they are on 2 ways……

As far as getting into trouble with the league and avoiding tanking, I mean they just DNP’d Monk for a long stretch. A team can reduce minutes for the vets easily.

So far, Perry and Doug are failing

 

[Jdbraver137]

This belief that Kings can’t handle a full on tank is probably not accurate. Right now we aren’t doing a full on tank. This team is being led by players on their last few years and not by players who may be rotational guys for the foreseeable future.
I believe most Kings fans think this is nuts and it’s frustrating. I think they would rather see Nique, Carter, Keon lead the team and reduce vet minutes. I believe most Kings fans don’t expect Carter to be anything other than a Davion Mitchell type, not a star, but a rotational piece who can play defense.

The only thing being accomplished to this point is stat padding for Russ and DDR, Lavine not capable of being part of a winning team, Doug is not a good coach.
To be determined is if Perry can deliver and it better be at the trade deadline because then we will all know if he’s shoveling crap or failing.

If another org was running the Kings, we would see the youngsters with lead roles when they are in the game, vets minutes reduced, Plowden and I Stevens getting some run….i think they are on 2 ways……

As far as getting into trouble with the league and avoiding tanking, I mean they just DNP’d Monk for a long stretch. A team can reduce minutes for the vets easily.

So far, Perry and Doug are failing

Honestly, the time for tanking was when Fox wanted out. We should have ended up letting him walk, as much as that would have upset people.

 

[The_Jamal]

Said the same before reading your post.
This x100. It doesnt matter if nique is playing when I have to watch possessions of lavine, demar, and russ playing trio ball as if the others dont exist. Not an enjoyable experience.

The difference between SL Nique, where he was a primary creator vs him now standing around watching (pick your vet here) dribble the air out of the ball is staggering. Max has only survived because Russ sometimes gets him a look in the PnR

 

[Jdbraver137]

The difference between SL Nique, where he was a primary creator vs him now standing around watching (pick your vet here) dribble the air out of the ball is staggering. Max has only survived because Russ sometimes gets him a look in the PnR

Max wont be a star but a solid big man option. And yes he will need some to run the PnR with him. I don’t think that’s as big a knock as you might think.

 

[The_Jamal]

Max wont be a star but a solid big man option. And yes he will need some to run the PnR with him. I don’t think that’s as big a knock as you might think.

Not a knock at all. Basically just saying he's be an excellent roll man and the only time Russ really passes is to hit the big in the PnR. Thats why he's looked good for the most part, but he gets little touches outside of that

 

[Jdbraver137]

Not a knock at all. Basically just saying he's be an excellent roll man and the only time Russ really passes is to hit the big in the PnR. Thats why he's looked good for the most part, but he gets little touches outside of that

I wish he would take more 3s

 

[pdxKingsFan]

The Kings aren't making me miserable, they've been bad for awhile. I actually feel somewhat vindicated that they are this awful -- for the karmic justice of it. I would even say I'm slightly gleeful. Lasagna anyone?

But I can't ever bring myself to disconnect emotionally from the world, not even with entertainment. I'm thin-skinned that way. Which means even if the Kings were in first place this season I would still be a miserable SOB right now. Does it seem like I'm always trying to make things about me? Maybe that's what this is. I've given up trying to psycho analyze myself. My intention though was to suggest some additional grace is warranted for all the frustrated and angry humans among us (some of which also happen to be Kings fans) given how many people are under a lot of stress right now.

TMI probably but I've been under a mild haze of depression since we started social distancing in 2020. It lead to massive weight gain (65lbs) after I had lost close to 100 lbs in 2014/2015. I'm trying my hardest this year to cut everything out and get a clear head despite the state of the world around us.

If anyone wants a positive thoughts only accountability/emotional support whatever thread maybe we can do that in the lounge.

 

[sactowndog]

I believe at this point all of our contracts are guaranteed.

We could, in principle, trade Keon for a pick, but I for one do NOT want to have to be a moderator on this board the day that happens.

Fair point. lol.

 

[sactowndog]

Both of those guys will be under contract next year when Russ 100% won't be here and there's a fair chance Dennis won't either.

We'll also be rid of at least a few of the people blocking Keon.

And we'll still be contending for a top 5 pick.

This is just impatience in the clearing house of all our junk phase. It isn't easy to do with this CBA. There's no quick fix. But I really do think if we benched all our top earners we'd get into deep doo doo with Silver who seemingly hates Sacramento and would be happy to see us just be a G-league team in the NBA that feeds talent to teams he likes anyways.

It’s hard to do with the contracts Monte handed out or we’re knowingly acquired while he was officially GM. Most of our players are perceived negative contracts.

 

[sactowndog]

TMI probably but I've been under a mild haze of depression since we started social distancing in 2020. It lead to massive weight gain (65lbs) after I had lost close to 100 lbs in 2014/2015. I'm trying my hardest this year to cut everything out and get a clear head despite the state of the world around us.

If anyone wants a positive thoughts only accountability/emotional support whatever thread maybe we can do that in the lounge.

I hope you can fight through. Depression is rough. Being a Kings fan doesn’t help.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I hope you can fight through. Depression is rough. Being a Kings fan doesn’t help.

Its very mild and I mask well but I'm taking the steps to get out of it. Thank you though.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

It’s hard to do with the contracts Monte handed out or we’re knowingly acquired while he was officially GM. Most of our players are perceived negative contracts.

I'm not terribly thrilled with the Schröder deal but I guess it has a soft out in year 3. If it was part of a handshake plan to bring Keon back that is also going to make it more acceptable to me. But even that will pass. I'm more impressed that we haven't budged on trading any draft capital at this point and even the future pick deal we made to get Nique was San Antonio's 2027 pick which we kept lottery protection on. Nothing Perry has done thus far has wowed me but at least I think he understands the long term assignment which is that our best odds right now are by building through the draft.

 

[kingsboi]

TMI probably but I've been under a mild haze of depression since we started social distancing in 2020. It lead to massive weight gain (65lbs) after I had lost close to 100 lbs in 2014/2015. I'm trying my hardest this year to cut everything out and get a clear head despite the state of the world around us.

If anyone wants a positive thoughts only accountability/emotional support whatever thread maybe we can do that in the lounge.

I'm all for it. let's get it up and running

 

[NewArena]

This belief that Kings can’t handle a full on tank is probably not accurate. Right now we aren’t doing a full on tank. This team is being led by players on their last few years and not by players who may be rotational guys for the foreseeable future.
I believe most Kings fans think this is nuts and it’s frustrating. I think they would rather see Nique, Carter, Keon lead the team and reduce vet minutes. I believe most Kings fans don’t expect Carter to be anything other than a Davion Mitchell type, not a star, but a rotational piece who can play defense.

The only thing being accomplished to this point is stat padding for Russ and DDR, Lavine not capable of being part of a winning team, Doug is not a good coach.
To be determined is if Perry can deliver and it better be at the trade deadline because then we will all know if he’s shoveling crap or failing.

If another org was running the Kings, we would see the youngsters with lead roles when they are in the game, vets minutes reduced, Plowden and I Stevens getting some run….i think they are on 2 ways……

As far as getting into trouble with the league and avoiding tanking, I mean they just DNP’d Monk for a long stretch. A team can reduce minutes for the vets easily.

So far, Perry and Doug are failing

The thank began when they sat Sabonis for another month and who knows how long lol so far, they're doing ok playing the few young guys they do have. Trade season just began so idk how Perry could be failing at anything right now. Can the man get to the deadline at least?

 

[Spike]

I'm all for it. let's get it up and running

For those who don't know, feel free to take a step into the lounge. All Most of your non-basketball itches can be scratched, including a new thread for the above.